Conklelaw Blog

On January 27th and 28th, 2018, attorneys from Conkle, Kremer & Engel attended the International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE), which is hosted annually by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). At ISSE, CK&E attorneys met with clients and other beauty professionals to help them expand their business frontiers and address concerns about intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and contractual relations. CK&E attorneys also relished the opportunity to observe first-hand the latest trends and exciting new spa and cosmetic products.

Sheet masks and other Korean beauty products continued to be as popular as they have been in the past few years. But more palpable this year at ISSE was the recent movement towards “inclusive beauty,” emphasizing a range of culturally enlightened products that appeal to a wider range of consumers of different ethnicities, ages, genders and abilities. Exhibitors displayed a wide range of products intended for people with all skin and hair types and colors. Many brands showcased hypoallergenic and natural products with few ingredients, suitable for use on consumers with allergies or medical conditions. There were also more personal care products geared towards men than there have been in previous years.

ISSE offered a wide array of complimentary educational programs related to the beauty industry, including classes regarding the importance of social media presence for artists and brands. CK&E attorneys remain ready to provide their clients with legal assistance in the ever-changing world of social media by keeping up to date on developments in social media. At ISSE, attorneys Evan Pitchford and Desiree Ho attended “Getting It Right On Instagram,” a seminar hosted by long-time beauty industry executive and social media guru Gordon Miller, CEO of Hairbrained, an online community for craft hairdressers and colorists to connect and share their work.

For next year, PBA has already announced that it will launch STYL on January 26-28, 2019, a new event that PBA promises is not an expo or convention, but rather “STYL is an experience where the leaders, learners, students, owners and the beauty industry come together from across the country.”

CK&E is proud to be a member of the PBA and other professional beauty organizations, and is delighted to be in its third decade of helping domestic and international businesses of all sizes grow and evolve to meet their goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner.